The thousands of visitors who use Wildlife Drive at the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge can thank T. Wainwright Miller. Those that live in Lee County and don't have to deal with mosquitos on a daily basis can thank the same man.

NBC2 learned Sunday night that the former Executive Director of the Lee County Mosquito Control District passed away from a long illness.

His friends and colleagues remembered him as a man that had a great mind and gave countless time to his community.

"He was in it because he gave with a cheerful heart and wanted to make a difference in other people's lives," said longtime family friend Mary Jo Walker. "He worked very quietly in helping entities that would ask for help."

Lee County Commissioner Frank Mann has known Miller personally since the 1970s and said the Mosquito Control District changes the landscape of Southwest Florida.

"You only wanted to come to Lee County when the mosquitos were gone, and there was air conditioning. And T. Wainwright Miller took care of the mosquito thing."

T. Wayne Gale has served as the Executive Director of the District since 2007. He credits Miller for the resources they have today.

"His vision provided us for the platform for what we are today," Gale said.

Miller and his wife, Mavis, just celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary last month.